The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) includes five submission levels, each representing a degree of documentation and validation required by the customer to confirm that parts meet production standards. These levels are used to standardize quality assurance across the supply chain:
- Level 1 – Only the Part Submission Warrant (PSW) is provided.
- Level 2 – PSW is submitted along with product samples and minimal supporting documentation.
- Level 3 – Includes the PSW, product samples, and a full set of supporting documents. This is the standard requirement in most cases.
- Level 4 – Submission includes the PSW and any additional documentation specifically requested by the customer.
- Level 5 – A comprehensive package: PSW, product samples, full supporting documentation, and an on-site audit at the supplier’s facility.
These tiers ensure manufacturers follow strict quality and process controls before parts move into mass production.